Paws-itively Outrageous: California Woman Accused of Registering Dog to Vote and Casting Multiple Ballots

In a bizarre turn of events that has drawn national attention to the ongoing debate surrounding election integrity, a California woman is now facing severe felony charges for allegedly committing voter fraud—by registering her dog to vote and subsequently casting multiple ballots in the 2020 general election.

Laura Ann Buckner, residing in Los Angeles County, stands accused of two felony counts of attempting to cast more than one ballot and one felony count of procuring, counseling, or aiding another to register to vote, knowing that the person is not entitled to register.

These serious charges carry a potential sentence of up to three years in state prison, underscoring the gravity with which election officials view such alleged transgressions.

According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme involved Buckner registering her canine companion, affectionately named "Bubbles Buckner," as a legitimate voter.

The investigation revealed that not only was Bubbles Buckner added to the voter rolls, but Laura Ann Buckner also allegedly cast one ballot in her own name and a second ballot using her dog's name during the November 2020 election. This audacious act of attempting to manipulate the democratic process was not, however, as foolproof as it might have seemed.

The alleged fraud was uncovered by vigilant staff at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office.

Their robust systems and diligent oversight flagged the unusual registration and subsequent ballot casting, triggering an immediate investigation. This swift detection highlights the critical role of election officials in safeguarding the integrity of the voting process and ensuring that every legitimate vote counts, and no fraudulent vote goes unnoticed.

The case serves as a stark reminder that attempts to subvert election laws, no matter how unconventional or seemingly trivial, are taken with utmost seriousness by legal authorities.

While voter fraud is statistically rare, cases like Buckner's reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and robust systems to maintain public trust in the electoral system. The legal proceedings against Laura Ann Buckner will undoubtedly continue to draw scrutiny as the justice system works to address these significant allegations of election tampering.